Left Temple Headache

Headaches are generally classified due to its cause into primary and secondary headaches. 90% of the headaches are primary headaches. Primary headaches are characterized by pain or oversensitivity of the structures of the head. They are not a sign or a symptom of any other underlying medical condition. The most common primary headaches include: migraine, cluster headache, tension headache, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia, etc. Secondary headaches are a signs and symptom of other medical conditions. Secondary headaches may result from: concussion, dehydration, ear infection, glaucoma, blood clot, acute sinusitis, influenza, intracranial hematoma, toxoplasmosis, trigeminal neuralgia, hangovers, etc.

The brain tissue itself is not sensitive as it has no pain receptors. The pain is rather caused by disturbance of the sensitive structures around the brain. Headaches may manifest in one or both sides of the head, with localization in any part of the head. The severity of the pain may vary from mild, moderate and even severe.

What are the Causes of Left Temple Headaches?

Tension Headache – usually is a diffuse, mild to moderate pain of the head. It is the most common type of headaches. The pain can be localized also in the left temple, where the pain can sometimes be accompanied also with nausea. It is often persisting and annoying type of pain. Massage of the temple area usually temporary relieves the pain. The cause of tension headache is not known. However, stress is known as the most common thing that triggers tension headache.

Migraine – is usually an intense pulsating or throbbing sensation in a particular area of the head, sometimes located also in the left temple. Migraine headaches are commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting and also extreme sensitivity to sound and light. The pain caused by migraine can last from couple of hours to couple of days and the person suffering from migraine usually finds a dark and quite place to lie down. Sometimes, migraine follows aura, which is sensory warning symptoms before the pain starts. Aura is characterized by blind spots, flashes of light and even tingling in the arms and legs. Treatment usually tends to reduce the severity and the frequency of migraines.

Cluster Headache – is a headache that occurs in clusters (cyclical patterns). It is one of the most painful types of headache. It is usually localized in or around one eye on one side of the head. Cluster periods are usually followed by periods of remission when the headaches stop. The remission period lasts from couple of months to couple of years, with no headaches at all. The cluster period usually lasts from six to twelve weeks. The headache usually starts quickly, without any warning signs and symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms of cluster headache include: pain on one side of the head, pale skin, redness of the eye, drooping eyelid, restlessness, etc. Treatment usually tends to reduce the severity and the frequency of cluster headaches.

Nummular Headache – is often located in the parietal lobe, however it can occur also on the left temple. It is a rare type of headache which is characterized by a sharp like stabbing pain on the head, in an area of the head like a size of a coin. The pain can vary from mild to moderate. Nummular headache may last from couple of weeks until couple of months, which is followed by periods without pain. Nummular headache affects females more often than men. Treatment usually tends to reduce the severity and the frequency of nummular headache. Non – steroidal anti – inflammatories or Gabapentin are used for treatment of this type of headache.

Ice-Pick Headache – is characterized by sharp and intense like stabbing pain, localized on the temple and usually affecting also one eye. Treatment usually tends to reduce the severity and the frequency of the ice – pick headache.

Temporal Arteritis – is a condition in which the temporal arteries become inflamed and damaged. The temporal arteries supply the head and the brain with blood. Temporal arteritis is more common to occur in people over the age of 60. The real cause of this condition is not known, even though it is thought to be an autoimmune response. The signs and symptoms of temporal arteritis include: throbbing headache located usually in the temples, fatigue, weakness, fever, loss of appetite, jaw pain, muscle aches, hearing loss, facial pain, etc. There is no prevention for temporal arteritis, however, once diagnosed, treatment can help minimize the complications.

Cervicogenic Headache – the pain is located in one part of the head, usually behind the eye or ear, but also in the temples. It is an intense type of headache.

Sinusitis – is an inflammation of the tissue lining the sinuses. There are different types of sinusitis: acute sinusitis, sub – acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, recurrent sinusitis. Acute sinusitis usually lasts up to 4 weeks, sub-acute sinusitis lasts 4-8 weeks, and chronic sinusitis lasts more than 8 weeks. Recurrent sinusitis is characterized by several attacks within a year. The signs and symptoms of sinusitis include: pain in the temples, facial pain and pressure, loss of smell, nasal discharge, nasal stuffiness, fever, fatigue, bad breath, etc.

Carotid Artery Dissection – is characterized by throbbing pain in one side of the head, light sensitivity, blurry vision, falling eyelids, etc. It is a continuous pain for couple of days without relief.

It is important to understand that it may be just a common headache which can be easily controlled with pain relievers. However, taking too much pain relievers may damage the liver, kidneys and stomach. If you have constant pain in left temple, you should get a medical check – up and consult with your doctor in order to diagnose the real cause of the pain and treat it correctly.